Which is a major focus of physical geography?

The major focus of physical geography is centered on natural ecosystems and landscapes. This field examines the earth's physical features, including landforms, climate, vegetation, soils, and hydrology. Physical geography is concerned with understanding how these elements interact with one another and how they impact the environment and biodiversity.

Studying natural ecosystems involves analyzing the distribution and dynamics of various species and habitats, as well as the processes shaping the physical characteristics of the Earth. This understanding is essential for addressing environmental issues, managing natural resources, and predicting how human activity may impact these systems.

On the other hand, the other options pertain to human geography and social sciences. Human demographics and statistics focus on population studies and human behavior, economic development of regions relates to the financial growth and resources of an area, while political systems and governance deal with governmental structures and their influence on society. These areas emphasize human interactions and activities rather than the foundational physical characteristics of the environment that underpin them, making them less relevant to the core study of physical geography.